Asymptomatic and Heart Valve disease

[Art-99]

A year ago after a general 'health MOT' I was found to have arrhythmia, further investigation revealed I had a leaky mitral heart valve. This all came as a complete surprise because I had experienced no symptoms e.g breathlessness or chest pain. Since that time I have been taking warfarin and understood that I might possibly need surgery at some point. An angiogram last month confirms that I will need valve replacement. The fact that I have a serious condition but don't feel unwell is somewhat disconcerting and I worry about exercising or over exerting myself. Up to now I had considered myself a reasonably fit 68 year old woman. Is anyone in a similar situation or can offer any advice or comments.

[Celtic]

Art-99, I don’t think I can offer the advice you seek as I believe that is one for your doctors. However, it may help to know my experience.

I was found to have a leaking mitral valve many years ago by accident when being investigated for a totally different illness. Like you, I had no symptoms. At the time it was described as “slightly leaking” and was never mentioned again until about 18 months ago when I suddenly experienced severe fatigue whilst out shopping with a friend, followed about an hour later by chest pain which started in my chest and spread around my back. Initially, I thought I may have cracked a rib or something when earlier in the day I’d had to squeeze myself into the car because of someone’s selfish parking. During the following couple of days it was painful to breathe deeply or cough. On the Monday morning I decided to get it checked at the surgery. On examination my oxygen levels were low and I was told to go straight to A&E with the Dr sending a message ahead of me. Admitted to a cardiac ward and an echocardiogram showed a more severe leakage with regurgitation into the lungs. I was monitored and wired up for the next 24 hours and given a beta blocker with my regular blood pressure medication increased at the same time. I was seen daily by different cardiologists and discharged on the 5th day. I returned 3 months later for a repeat echo and they were pleased with the improvement. Re-checked a couple of months ago and when I asked whether it was still described as a “severe” leak, I was told it was moderate. I am older than you with a sole reduced functioning kidney and resistant high blood pressure so I don’t think anyone would be keen to operate. One thing I have learned is not to wait a few days but to act immediately should a similar situation occur in the future!

In your case, I would think the angiogram has proved the need for surgery not to mention the Afib! Lots of good luck wishes whatever is decided.

[Art-99 in reply to Celtic]

Thank you for your reply. With the current situation I don’t think anything will happen in the immediate future, unless my condition suddenly worsens and I become an urgent case. I live in Cyprus at present and like everyone else we are self isolating, not difficult as we live in a quiet rural area and there are no tourists due to Coronavirus. I too wish you well.

[Lyndaloo494]

Hi there. I'm very like you, it was picked up almost a year ago I had leaking heart valve, absoltely no symptoms. I'm 47. I had all the tests and scans and unfortunately surgery required as its a severe leak and heart very enlarged. When I met the surgeon end of August last year. He agreed to my request to delay it till January. I wanted my family to have a nice Christmas first. But January came and I didn't get my date due to other priorities. Got my date for a few weeks ago only to have it cancelled for at least a further 3 months due to the virus outbreak. I still feel fit and well and went a 2 mile walk last night which isn't much but enough for me. They told me last year to carry on swimming walking etc. I still find it bizarre I have no symptoms as it makes it harder to accept. I struggle with idea this will make me better when it feels like nothing is wrong. We have to take their advice though...

[Art-99 in reply to Lyndaloo494]

Thank you for this. When the problem was first identified I asked how long I might have had this condition and was told it could be several years. I had a hysterectomy 12 years ago and asked wouldn't a problem have been identified then ? The reply was 'not necessarily'. I have also been advised to avoid isometric exercises, just stick to walking, swimming. Unfortunately yoga, which I enjoy includes exercises of an isometric nature. I do get anxious about what I should or shouldn't be doing, at my age maintaining muscle strength is so important. I feel for you being so much younger, such a shock I'm sure.

[Lyndaloo494 in reply to Art-99]

I was also told this is likely to have gone on for years. Obviously walking is only thing we can really do at the moment. Take care x

[Art-99 in reply to Lyndaloo494]

Take care, stay safe x

[seven-oh]

Hi Art-99

I've had a similar experience to you, I was 61, reasonably fit with no symptoms that I can recall. My mitral valve issue was uncovered during a recent check up at a fitness centre. It was a complete surprise to me.

After I was diagnosed I was advised it was safe to go skiing and this together with daily walks was what I used to build up my fitness pre-op. I received the usual advice here, don't smoke, stay active, watch your weight carry on as normal.

When you've had the op, the surgeon will probably sign you from surgical recovery off after about 13 weeks, I was expecting this to be the end of things and to return to work, but physical recovery and mental recovery take longer, we are all different and experience this in different ways. Be kind to yourself and give yourself time to recover.

Our circumstances are very similar, one thing I did find is that is the the patient stories don't really cover our story. .

Hope it goes well

Best Regards

[Art-99 in reply to seven-oh]

Thank you, it seems so strange to me that you can have something potentially life threatening but be totally unaware. I have been retired for a few years so don't have the worry about when I can return to work, on the other hand I'd like to think I still have a number of healthy, active years ahead after surgery.

[Samgeorge]

Hi Art-99, I had a similar experience with no symptoms and a murmur picked up on a general health check although mine turned out to be severe aortic stenosis. I’m a 51 year old reasonably fit female and it came out of the blue for me too. It’s scary to think that you can go on as normal not knowing that you have a serious condition but I am glad it was picked up and I can now take extra care until my op (hopefully after covid calms down). Take care of yourself would be my advice for what it’s worth and listen to your body. It’ll tell you when you need to take it a bit slower etc. Just don’t overdo it but keep yourself fit and healthy for the op. Hope everything goes well for you.

Stay safe

Sam

[Art-99]

Thank you for reading my post and your reply. Mostly I haven't allowed myself to be too paranoid, although obviously the current situation doesn't help because we're In the 'at risk' group. Not looking forward to surgery but will be glad when it's behind me. Take care and stay safe.